Filiz Hakaeva Hyusmenova (ALDE). – (BG) Thank you, Madam President. International Women’s Day is an occasion for us to take stock of our gender equality policy. Many people believe that this policy is aimed only at women in the pursuit of the same opportunities as men in terms of employment, salary and free time.

Such objectives are just as relevant in an economic crisis, but equality policy should focus on men as well. The crisis has an impact on the labour market. There are expectations that many of them will lose their jobs because of their higher salary and the reduction in labour-intensive activities in the finance sector. There is a growing likelihood that men will have greater involvement in family life and a breakthrough is occurring among traditional social roles. To what extent they are ready for this and whether the social adjustments can facilitate such a change are questions which will need to be answered.

The possible solutions vary between Member States, regions and communities. This is why I am calling for the national equality plans to be updated and for flexible rules that meet the needs of men and women to the same degree.